Description

These two shows were made in Hollywood in 1943 to be broadcast exclusively to U.S. troops overseas during W.W.II.The two main acts on these programs are Louis Armstrong with a big band and Henry ”Red” Allen’s sextet, plus a couple of vocalists (Ivie Anderson & Jewel Paige), a couple of drum soloists (Lee Young & Paul Barbarin) and a couple of comedy skits. The 21 numbers on this one hour-long CD are being released here for the first time. The musical repertoire is largely dixieland and traditional jazz, along with some popular tunes of the day. On the first show, Louis Armstrong performs classic versions of On The Sunny Side of the Street and Dear Old Southland, as well as a hilarious comedy skit with Jack Benny and Eddie ”Rochester” Anderson. On the second show, Henry Allen performs with his long-time trombone colleague J.C. Higginbotham, together with a first-rate New Orleans rhythm section powered by Paul Barbarin and bassist Benny Moten.The show’s momentous climax teams top clarinetist Barney Bigard with Henry Allen and Paul Barbarin on Rug Cutter’s Swing.